Method for precisely placing a guideway support, and guideway

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for precisely placing a support ( 10 ) for a ground level guideway of a track-bound vehicle, particularly of a magnetic levitation system. According to the invention, the support ( 10 ) has a guideway plate with guide elements, which are placed thereon while serving to guide the vehicle. The support ( 10 ) is placed on a base support ( 1 ) having a bottom plate ( 2 ). The bottom plate ( 2 ) is held at a distance from the guideway plate by at least one web ( 12 ). The support ( 10 ) is placed on the base support ( 1 ) with the web ( 12 ), which is placed on the support ( 10 ) or on the base support ( 1 ), being arranged therebetween, and the support is guided by guides in a transverse direction. The support ( 10 ) is provided with its predetermined three-dimensional curve by means of spindles ( 16 ) that are supported on the base support ( 1 ) or on the web ( 12 ), and the resulting gap between the base support ( 1 ) and/or web ( 12 ) and/or support ( 10 ) is subsequently filled with an under casting compound ( 20 ).

The present invention concerns first, a procedure for a precisely aligned erection of a support beam (hereinafter, “support”) structure for a grade level travelway to accommodate a rail guided vehicle, in particular, a magnetically levitated railway vehicle, wherein the support possesses a top travelway plate with thereon attached guides for the said vehicle, this upper plate resting upon an under-structure, which has a base plate, this base plate being separated at a distance from the travelway plate by at least one intervening web. Besides the said erection, the invention concerns second, a grade level travelway of a track guided vehicle, especially a magnetic railway vehicle, wherein the support possesses a top travelway-plate with thereon attached guides for the said vehicle, this upper plate resting upon an under-structure which has a base plate, this base plate being separated at a distance from the travelway plate by at least one intervening web.

DE 198 08 622 A1 discloses a generic travelway, which consists of precast concrete plates, on which are located lateral, functional planes for the guidance of a rail limited vehicle. The precast concrete plate is affixed on the top surface of a support-structure by means of extending members, as well as being secured in that location by fastening devices. The securement is executed in such a manner, that a free elongation is enabled for the of the concrete precast plates due to temperature expansion. The support structure itself is set down on prepared ground at the selected location. Also, if it is correctly held, in the case of this cited invention, that where a grade level travelway is concerned, the thereto belonging precast top plate, which carries functional planes, must respond to temperature compensations. However, to the contrary, experience has indicated, that during extreme conditions, this alone is not sufficient to meet conditions of severe demand and does not always assure the position of the functional planes responding to travel operation. Contrarily, the building of a travelway from individual construction components, successively superimposed, one on top of the other, has proven itself as highly satisfactory. Because of the small, allowable tolerances in the guidance of a magnetically levitated travel-track it required that impacts, even at high temperatures, are to be held within narrow allowable tolerances.

Thus, the purpose of the present invention is, to create a grade level travelway and also make available a construction procedure for said travelway, wherein heat expansions, even at large temperature variations, are held within allowable tolerances.

This purpose is achieved by a procedure and a travelway having the features of the independent claims.

In the case of the procedure in accord with present invention, the support structure is laid upon a base plate with the intervention of a web or webs situated on the said base plate. In a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the structure, the support is subjected to directive members (hereafter “guides”) on the base plate, so that in this location, a transverse motion of the support is largely excluded. By means of self-extending spindles, on the base plate or the web, the support is caused to comply with its preselected space-curvature. The intervening openings, which arise therefrom are subsequently filled with a grout between the base plate and/or the web, which advantageously allows a longitudinal displacement of the carrier on the base plate. Because of this invented procedure, assurance is provided, that the support will undergo a temperature expansion only in a very defined manner. While a transverse displacement is predominately excluded, a longitudinal movement of the support in this advantageous embodiment is restricted to a path along the guide element. This enables, that an exact positioned operation of the support becomes possible even under extreme environmental conditions, since now, the heat expansions do not act upon the function of the vehicle. At least in the advantageous embodiment, the support is force-fixed in position by the said grout with the under structure. While, in the case of short supports, preparations for a longitudinal displacement of the support is not necessary, conversely, where longer supports are involved, then the recommendation is advantageously directed toward compensation of the longitudinal extension. Exactly at which length of the support the tendency for longitudinal extension becomes necessary, depends on the conditions of the construction site and the requirements of the allowable tolerances during operating life.

If the support has a web, then, it is of particular advantageous, that the connection between the support and the base plate be in the area of the web. The shaping of the web can serve as an element for the guidance of the support in a coaction with the guides on the base plate.

If the support is essentially continuous in its setting on the base plate, then, a very simple manner of construction for the support is possible. Moreover, a particularly exact guidance of the support is obtained, by means of which tolerances can be held within a very narrow range.

The said spindles can be placed on the webs or at the connections. The arrangement having the greatest advantage depends upon the shape of the support and the accessibility of the spindles.

It is of special advantage, if the support, at least at one position, especially in the area of the middle of the support, is immovably affixed to the base plate. In this case, a rigid connection is made, which can serve as an base from which the longitudinal heat expansions of the support can extend themselves. If this fixed position is in the middle zone of the support, then the support experiences a relatively small heat expansion extending in both longitudinal directions from the centerpoint of the said fixed position. The connection positions to the subsequently following supports are, thereby, little affected by the heat expansion.

If, between the guidances and the support, a rigid grout material is used, then in this case, occurring longitudinal and transverse forces are diverted through the shape-fit connection between the guidances and the support, more exactly, the guidances and the attendant grout material. The support, in this case, is thereby so closely guided that no, or the very least, of movements can take place in the transverse direction. In this way, a precise positioning of the support, that is to say, the attachments of the upper chord, is possible. The guidance of the vehicle, with this arrangement, can be carried out very exactly.

If between the base plate and the support, especially between the grout and the support, a partition layer is placed, then a longitudinal displacement of the support can advantageously take place without a stressful reaction. The support then slides on the said partition layer during such expansion as may be created by temperature changes or by applied loadings. This can occur, in keeping with the invention, without uncontrolled movements or contingent damages.

Advantageously, between the said spindle and the base plate, a plastic layer is inserted, which, when subjected to load, has the ability to yield. This said layer, in this protective manner, extends through the entire surface between the support underside and the thereunder located grout. A discrete diminishment of the load through the spindle is prevented.

Advantageously, for the filling of the transverse guide openings, which were placed at an increased distance from the fixation and located between the support and the guides of the base plate, an elastic grout material was used. The elastic grout is more or less compressed by the allowable longitudinal displacements of the support. Even in this case, damage to the support or to the base plate is avoided, and a desirable movement of the support is made possible.

In an especially advantageous manner, the attachment elements placed in the upper chord were secured by being grouted in. In this case, it has shown itself to be of advantage, if the pouring of the upper construction parts with the attachment parts was carried out in one work-step with the manufacture of the upper chord and this is done overhead. By means of overhead incorporation of the attachments in concrete, a favorable and exact connection of the members can be obtained in the upper structure. Alternative to this, it is possible that the attachment elements can be welded or screwed to the attachment plate. This is possible, either with steel construction or with concrete construction and creates advantages, in the case of individual embodiments of the invention.

If the support, in the case of applied load, already has been under-grouted, then assurance is given, that the support, and consequently the attachments thereon will hold their required positions even under the application of loads.

In order to maintain a stepless continuation of the linearly following supports, when under the passage of a vehicle, provision has advantageously been made, that along the travelway, successive supports may be connected together, if the grout fill is elastic. If, contrarily, a grout fill is used, which is rigid and thus does not permit a depression of the support during passage of a vehicle, then the successive supports must remain uncoupled.

In accord with the invention, a generic travelway may be designed in such a manner, that the travelway comprises a support on the base plate having an intervening web attached to the support or to the base plate. The support is limited as to movement in the transverse direction by guides on the base plate and/or on the web. On this account, a lateral displacement of the support is not possible.

Spindles are placed on the support and/or the web for the positioning of the support in accord with the required space curvature. The intervening space between the base plate and/or the web and/or the support is filled by a grout which permits longitudinal displacement of the support on the base plate. By means of design of the travelway, incorporating these features, a exact lateral guidance of the support and the thereon attached equipment—which attached equipment is important for the guidance of the vehicle—is assured. The temperature changes, which must inevitably occur, and the therewith connected longitudinal changes of the support, by prior considerations, are incorporated in longitudinal displacement of the said support.

A transverse displacement of the support and therewith problems in the travel operation are thus reliably avoided.

Advantageously, the support is continuously carried on the base plate. This assures an exact guidance of the said support and the therewith related guidance of the vehicle.

If the support possesses a web, which, in the construction assembly, extends itself downward from the said support, then, the possibility exists, that an alignment of the support with the base plate is advantageously realized. Moreover, the support itself receives, by the presence of a web, an additional stability, whereby the erection work and the operation are improved.

If the base plate is a ground plate, on which the support stands, then in this case, a simple and rapid manufacture is possible.

In an advantageous manner, the guides for the support consist of one or more blocks or intervening troughs. The blocks, which, for example, act as one with the webs of the support, provide the support with a guide in the longitudinal direction. The same occurs, if, in the base plate 1 a trough is furnished, in which the support can be seated. Even in this case, a known displacement of the support through shape-fitting is possible.

If the support possesses a plurality of, or especially two webs, which are distanced one from the next in a transverse direction of the support, then an especially stable support has been created, which is also very easily guided. The blocks of the base plate, for example, can be placed between the two webs and thus a simple, shape-fitted longitudinal guidance for the support has been made available.

If the webs, at least on that side which is remote from the upper chord are at least partially bound together, then, once again, an additional stability is provided for the support. Beyond this, it is possible, that at this position, the support can be bound with the base plate, whereby a solid seating is achieved. This solid seating can be made by a bolting with the base plate, or the base plate and the support, for example with the use of a connection reinforcement, can be united by concrete.

It is particularly favorable, if the support, especially in its mid section, is affixed to the base plate. This arrangement makes it possible, that the expansion extension of the support can move in both directions from the point of this connection, with the advantage that the individual displacement of the said expansion in each of the two portions of the support is lessened.

If between the guidances and support, a rigid grout material is placed to create a shape fit connection and to lessen the longitudinal and transverse forces, then, in this case, during the erection of the support, adjustment can be made possible even in the transverse direction, and subsequently, during a pour, a rigid connection can be made, which makes possible a relative movement between the support and the base plate in the longitudinal direction of the support.

It is of particular advantage, if between the base plate and the support, more exactly, between the under grout and the support, a partitioning layer intervenes. The partitioning layer assures the mutual relative displacement of the base plate and the support means to one another.

If between the base plate and the spindle a plastic plate is inserted, which, especially, yields to some extent when loaded, then a reduction in the amount of grout materials can be achieved. In operation, a discrete lessening of the load is prevented by means of the spindle.

In regard to the under lying grout, the use of mortar or an elastomer is highly regarded. Mortar creates a rigid substrate for the support, while by means of an elastomer, an elastic binding can be achieved. Where the use of an elastomer is concerned, the support will undergo a type of weight-spring-system which especially contributes to a smooth run of the vehicle.

By means of the elastic bedding of the support on the base plate, the said weight-spring-system can likewise be brought about. The depressing of two neighboring supports upon the roll-over of a vehicle must be compensated for by a coupling of the two supports in order to avoid an impact.

If, in the transverse members, between the support and the guide of the base plate, which is further removed from the point of fixation at a known distance, an elastic material is applied, then the longitudinal expansion of the support is compensated for by this given grout material.

If the attached construction elements in the upper chord are molded in or welded or screwed onto the said upper chord, then a firm connection is established between the said attachments and the upper chord, whereby the positional precision of the attachment, dependent upon the upper chord (i.e., the upper chord) is made sure of.

It is of advantage, if the support and/or the base plate possesses through running water fittings or run-off openings. Such construction makes it possible for inspection personnel and also for animals to cross the travelway and, in the case of rainwater or snow melt, dammed up water is avoided.

If the support terminates, at least at one of its ends, relative to the base of the web or the base plate, this situation will cause an opening to be formed, which persons or animals can use for crossing the travel way.

If the base plate and/or the support is made specially as a precast concrete component, then a very exact fabrication and moreover a very rapid field installation of the travelway is made possible.

Further advantages of the invention are illustrated and made manifest in the following embodiment example with the aid of the drawing. There is shown in:

FIG. 1 a base plate in a perspective view,

FIG. 2 a longitudinal section through a support and a base plate,

FIG. 3 a detailed view of the end of a support,

FIG. 4 a detailed view of a support midsection,

FIG. 5 a perspective section presentation of two supports, following one another and in

FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 additional embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a perspective presentation of a base plate 1, in accord with one embodiment type of the present invention. The base plate 1 consists of a ground plate 2, upon which two blocks 3 are located. The ground plate 2 and the blocks 3 are made of concrete and are laid upon the ground. The ground plate 2 can also be an otherwise intended construction member, such as, for example, a bridge or the bottom foundation of a tunnel section.

The blocks 3 place the guide elements for the support, which at a later time will be set upon the ground plate 2. For the execution of the purposes of the guide elements, the blocks 3 possess lateral sides 4, which, under some circumstances, with the coaction of the of a grout material (to be described later) injected between the lateral sides 4 and the support, permit a movement of the support in the longitudinal direction x. The blocks 3 possess in this embodiment example, moreover inner sides 5 and outer sides 6. These sides 5 and 6, which, in other, not presented embodiments are not unconditionally necessary, can receive grout applications in accord with the present embodiment. This grout application would be in reference to the support. At least the sides, here 5 and 6, placed more remotely from a solid bearing of the of the support are advantageously provided with an elastic grout material, so that heat expansions, which act in the x-direction of the support can be absorbed by the elasticity of this material resulting in freedom from damaging or improper stresses.

After the base plate 1 is laid along the travelway, then the actual travelway structure is placed thereupon on the upper surface 7 of the base plate 1.

The guidance elements in the x-direction of the support, in accord with another, not shown embodiment example, also can be formulated in a different manner. For instance, it is possible, that instead of blocks located midway, also blocks can be provided which guide the support from the outside. In this case, instead of provision of blocks being installed midway on the base plate 1, three blocks could be placed on the outer edge of the base plate 1 and externally guide the support. As an additional alternative, similar to the externally placed blocks, provision can be made, that the base plate 1 possesses a trough, in which the support can be set. The trough, in this case, must be so dimensioned or set in grout filling, so that a movement of the support in the x-direction is permissible.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective presentation of a longitudinal section through the base plate 1 and a support 10. The support comprises an upper chord 11 and webs 12 which are connected thereto. The webs 12, of which in the present presentation, principally only one is illustrated, are bound on their end, which is remote from the upper chord 11, by means of the connections 13 and 14. Between the webs 12 and the said connections 13 and 14 are placed the blocks 3 of the base plate 1. The blocks 3 form in connection, especially with the webs 12, a longitudinal guide of the support 10 in the x-direction.

In the area near the inner connection 14, the support 10 is securely bound by means of a threaded bolt 15 with the base plate 1. The longitudinal expansion of the support 10 on this account, then starts from this binding position at the said inner connection 14, and extends simultaneously in directions to each end of the support in the location of the outer end connections 13.

To maintain the alignment of the support 10, especially in the vertical z-direction, spindles 16 are provided. The spindles 16, are to be found in the connections 13 and 14 of embodiment example of FIG. 2. These spindles 16, after the support 10 has been lowered on to the surface 7 of the base plate 1, are more or less screwed out of the support 10 and thus perform the adjustment of the said support 10 to such a measurement as would be required for the travelway. After the required position of the support 10, by means of the spindles 16 has been established, then the intervening space caused thereby between the support 10 and the surface 7 of the base plate 1 is filled with a grout 20. This grout must be of such a nature, that it can compensate for longitudinal displacements of the support 10 on the surface 7, which can result from stresses of heat expansion or loadings thereon. In this respect, an partition layer 25 can be interposed between the underside of the support 10 and the grout 20, so that an adherency between the said underside of the support 10 and the grout 20 can be avoided. The partition layer 25, or other means for the prevention of a tight binding, can obviously be provided between the grout 20 and the surface 7 of the base plate 1.

Between the blocks 3 and the support 10, additional grout applications 22, 23, 24 can be made. The lateral grout material 22 is advantageously rigid upon cure and likewise is provided with a separative layer. In this matter, likewise, action can be taken similar to that of the grout application and the separative layer, in that a sliding of the support 10 in the x-direction relative to the base plate 1 can be carried out, without the danger of over-stress. The lateral grout application act in such a way, that the support 10, during its longitudinal displacement is exactly guided and thus no improper movement in the transverse direction y is made possible.

FIG. 3 shows a detailing in the area of an outer connection 13. Beneath the outer connection 13, the said rigid grout 20 has been applied. After the spindles of the support 10, hard grout 20 fills the intervening space between the upper surface 7 and the underside of the connection 13, i.e., the web 12. The hard grout material 20 makes a secure connection in the vertical z-direction, so that the guidance of the traveling vehicle above the support 10 remains predominately unchanged in the z-direction. In accord with an exact alignment of the support 10, it is possible that a connection of the support 10 with a previous or a trailing support can be omitted. This is because, in the z-direction, no essential movement is to be expected in regard to the over-run of the vehicle. Alternatively instead of a hard grout, it is possible that an elastic grout material be used. If this be done, then a kind of weight-spring-system is brought about, which can make possible a smooth run of the vehicle. Upon the usage of an elastic grout material 20, in any case a coupling of the support 10 with the previous and the following support is necessary, so that, the vertical movement which arises from the suddenly occurring displacement caused by the impact of the passage of the vehicle does not lead to a displacement between the first and a second support, whereby the travel operation of the vehicle could be disturbed.

Since heat expansion of the support 10 in the x-direction is to be expected, advantageously, between the outer side 6 of the block 3 and the connection 13, an elastic inner grout application 23 is employed. Accordingly, the heat expansion in the x-direction is absorbed by the elastic grout 23 material and no opening is formed, that is, no undesirable stress is exercised between the outer connection 13 and the blocks 3 or the said elastic grout 23. As an alternate, it is also possible to completely omit the grout 23, if the formation of the blocks 3 or the connection 13 is of such a nature, that an intervening space between the block 3 and the connection 13 is allowable. The essential function of the block 3, namely, to permit the movement of the support 10 in the x-direction, and conversely to prevent displacement thereof in the y-direction, is actually carried out by the sides 4 and the web 12, as well as the intervening grout 22 along with the use of a separating layer if necessary. The sides 6 and the elastic grout material 23 have little to do with this function.

FIG. 4 shows a detail view in the area of the inner connection 14. The support 10 in this case is rigidly bound with the base plate 1 by means of a threaded bolt 15, which run through the inner connection 14. The bolt 15 causes, moreover, the holding down of the support 10, so that in the case of a run-over by the vehicle, a motion of the support 10 in the z-direction is avoided. Between the inner connection 14 and the blocks 3 is placed a rigid grout 24. By means of this, the secure fix of the support 10 is activated, which is in addition to above action of the said bolt 15. A relative motion between the base plate 1 and the support 10 in the x-direction is predominately excluded by the inner connection 14, the blocks 3, and the rigid grout 24. There arises herewith, a secure binding of the support 10 on the base plate 1. Shown in doted lines is the grout 20, which is placed between the surface 7 of the base plate 1 and the support 10. Also shown is the partition layer 25. In the area of the inner connection 14, this grout can also be placed underneath the inner connection 14. Alternatively, it is possible to provide, underneath the connection 14, also the hard grout 24.

FIG. 5 presents a perspective sectional drawing of two linearly successive combinations of the said base plate 1 and the support 10. Between the base plates 1 is made available a joint piece 30, which is filled with grout. The base pates 1 can be coupled together in a conventional manner, so that a continuous underlay for the support 10 exists. The support 10 possesses an upper chord 11, which, in relation to the web 12 is extended somewhat longer. The hereby created offsets allow, that penetrative openings 31 may be made. Through these openings, it is possible for maintenance personnel as well as animals to cross the travelway. Beyond this, in this way an opening has been made through which water can flow.

On the outer end faces of the upper chord 11 are placed attachments 32. These attachments 32, which form the functional surfaces for guidance and driving of the vehicle, are also the construction components, which must be placed with extraordinary precision in order to guarantee the running operation of the vehicle. On this account, it is very important, that at the abutments between two attachments 32 an offset and a separating distance will occur which are principally within the allowable tolerances. This condition is taken care of by the present invented design of the base plate 1 and support 10.

FIG. 6 show a further embodiment example of the present invention. In this case, the base plate 1 possesses a self standing under construction, for example a bridgelike construction. On this base plate 1 the support 10 is placed with the attachments 32. Contrary to the foregoing embodiment examples, the support 10 is essentially built as a plate. The webs 12 are only indicated. The attachments 32 are embedded in the concrete of the support 10, which is contrary to the embodiment of FIG. 5, where the attachments 32 were bolted into place.

FIG. 7 shows a support 10 as seen from below in a perspective view. The presented support 10 is a so-called short support, which principally possesses two connection 13 between the webs 12. A connection 14 as seen in the foregoing embodiment examples, is, in this embodiment, totally lacking. In the connection 13 are to be seen the spindles 16. As to the rest, the fastening of the support 10 on the base plate 1 complies with the previous descriptions.

In FIG. 8 is presented a support 10 on a base plate 1. The spindles 16 are fastened within the webs 12. Between the webs 12 and the base plate 1 the corresponding intervening space is filled with the grout 20. The intervening space between the webs 12 is sealed with concrete. The thereby created connection 28 creates, especially, with an corresponding connection with the base plate 1, a guidance for the support 10 in its transverse direction. If a relative movement between the connection 28 and the support 10 is not desired, then the possibility exists, as is here shown, of providing reinforcements 29, which ties the support 10 to the connection 28. The connection 28 and the grout 20 can be made from the same material, and if desired, made simultaneously.

In FIG. 9 is shown a support 10 with only one web 12. The support 10 is placed on the base plate 1 and is guided by means of external, laterally placed elevation means. The intervening space between the elevations and the remainder of the base plate 1 is once again filled with a grout material 20. The adjustment of the support 10 on the base plate 1 is done by means of the spindles 16. The guide attachments for the vehicle are the same as in the case of the other embodiment examples and located, as before on the upper chord 11 of support 10. While the fastening in the case of some of the examples is done by incorporation in the concrete, in this case the fastening is based on a console on the upper chord 11.

The present invention is not limited to the presented embodiment examples. Thus, the arrangement of a web on the support 10 can be entirely omitted. A base plate can also consist of a bridge or another primary construction piece. For this purpose, an embodiment such as is presented in FIG. 6 is not required. The blocks 3 can first, be made of concrete, after the support 10 has been placed on the base plate 1. The blocks 3 can consist of the same material as the grout 20 and be bound with the base plate 1 by means of a connection structure. 

1. A procedure for a precisely positioned erection of a support (10) for a grade level travelway of a rail limited vehicle, especially a magnetic levitated railroad, wherein the support (10) has an upper chord with thereon attached guide elements for the said vehicle, the support (10) is placed upon a base plate (1) which has a bottom plate (2) and the bottom plate (2) is held at a separating distance from the support (10) by at least one web (12), therein characterized, in that the support (10) is laid upon the base plate (1) with the interposing of the web (12) which is attached to the support 10 or to the base plate (1) and in that the support (10) by means of self supporting spindles (16) on the base plate (1) or on the web (12) is brought into its preselected space curve, and in that the therefrom created intervening space between the base plate (1) and/or the web (12) and/or the support (10) is subsequently filled with a grout (20) and in that the support (10) is guided in the transverse direction by attachments. 2-34. (canceled) 